How to Start a New Booster Club

What is a Booster Club?

A booster club is a nonprofit organization that raises funds and provides resources for school programs, athletic teams, music programs, and other extracurricular activities. Typically run by parents and community volunteers, booster clubs help bridge the gap between school funding and the needs of students. Their fundraising efforts help fund expenses such as uniforms, equipment, travel costs, and facility improvements.

Steps to Creating a Successful Booster Club

1. Define Your Mission and Goals

Start with a clear mission statement (see examples). What is your club’s purpose? Who will it serve? Your mission will guide every decision and help attract members and sponsors.

2. Form a Leadership Team

A successful booster club needs key leadership roles:

• President – Oversees operations and represents the club.
• Vice President – Assists the president and takes over when needed.
• Treasurer – Manages finances, budgets, and tax filings.
• Secretary – Records meetings and handles communications.
• Membership Coordinator – Recruits and retains members.
• Sponsorship Coordinator – Secures business partnerships and donations.
• Spiritwear Coordinator – Manages merchandise sales.

3. Register as a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

To receive tax-exempt status and allow donors to make tax-deductible contributions, your booster club must register as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This involves both state-level incorporation and federal IRS tax-exempt approval.

State-Level Registration

1. Choose a Name – Ensure it’s unique and complies with your state’s nonprofit naming rules.
2. Appoint a Board of Directors – Most states require at least three board members.
3. File Articles of Incorporation – Submit this document to your state’s Secretary of State office, typically with a filing fee of $20–$200.

Federal 501(c)(3) Registration

1. Draft Bylaws – Bylaws outline how your booster club operates, including leadership structure, meetings, and financial policies.
2. Obtain an EIN – Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for free at irs.gov.
3. File IRS Form 1023 – This is the application for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Smaller organizations (less than $50,000 in annual revenue) can file Form 1023-EZ, a simplified version with a $275 fee.
4. Comply with Ongoing State and Federal Requirements – File annual reports and maintain financial transparency to keep your status.

Need a Faster Way to Get 501(c)(3) Status?

Registering a nonprofit and obtaining 501(c)(3) status can be time-consuming and confusing. The process often takes months, and errors can cause delays. If you're in a hurry, consider using ParentBoosterUSA for a substantially faster and simpler registration process.

4. Develop a Strong Online Presence

To grow membership and attract sponsors, your booster club needs visibility online. Establish your club’s presence by:

• Creating a professional website with BoosterSpark — easy setup with built-in fundraising, communication, and management tools management.
• Launching social media pages on Facebook and Instagram to share updates, promote events, and engage your community.

5. Develop a Fundraising Strategy

Fundraising is the lifeblood of a booster club. Here are some proven methods:

• Corporate Sponsorships – Partner with local businesses for financial support.
• Membership Drives – Encourage parents and community members to join with tiered donation levels.
• Spiritwear Sales – Sell branded apparel and merchandise.
• Event-Based Fundraising – Organize auctions, golf tournaments, and fun runs.

Start Today

Starting a booster club takes dedication, but with the right leadership, clear goals, and smart fundraising strategies, you can build a thriving organization that supports students and enriches the community. By using modern tools like BoosterSpark, you can streamline operations, create an engaging website, and maximize fundraising potential. Whether you're just getting started or looking to revamp an existing club, these strategies will set you on the path to success.